10-Day Forecast for Feb. 14

Published: Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 2:44 p.m.

Local women's monologues: As a part of Gainesville's VDAY campaign, the Hippdrome Theatre tonight hosts the final performance of a three-night run of “The Vagina Monologues,” as performed by an ensemble of local women. The popular play, based on playwright Eve Ensler's interviews with more than 200 women, has given voice to women and drawn attention to the issues they face since its initial performance 12 years ago. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Peaceful Paths, a local women's shelter and advocacy center. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., with refreshments and a silent auction in the Hipp's art gallery starting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $25.

Eco-friendly film fest: The fourth year of the Cinema Verde Environmental Film Festival concludes today with screenings including the short film “1948 And Counting,” about how Costa Rica has existed with a military since 1948, at 5:45 p.m., and followed by director Steve McGuire speaking at 6:15 p.m. The Japanese feature film, “Radio Love,” about a DJ in Hiroshima and his effect on people, starts at 7 p.m. followed by the festival's awards and wrap party at 8:15 p.m. Events are held at Jolie, 6 W. University Ave. For more information, see Cinemaverde.org.

Subcontinental solo show: An award-winning one-man show presented by the Indian Ink Theatre Company, “The Guru of Chai,” stops at the Phillips Center's Squitieri Studio Theatre for three performances today through Saturday. The play combines theater with Indian song and dance, and Balinese shadow-puppetry in its tale about a tea vendor whose life is turned upside down when a young girl with a captivating voice is left on the subway platform where he works. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 today, $20 on Saturday and Sunday; available by calling 392-2787.

Not a piece of fruit: The High Springs Community Theater brings the classic Arthur Miller play, “Death of a Salesman,” to the stage for performances through March 3 . The Pullitzer-winning, 1949 drama tells of the collapse of the Loman family as breadwinner Willy falters at his once successful career while losing the respect of his son as he prepares to leave the family home. The production is directed by Mike McShane and features his father Shamrock McShane as Willy. Performances begin Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Hear hear to hollywood history: To celebrate the tradition of popular song from the dawn of talkies to today's films, the stage revue “Hooray for Hollywood” comes to the Phillips Center's stage on Friday. With songs by Gershwin and the music of the “Wizard of Oz” through to “The Blues Brothers” and “Titanic,” the choreographed performances by a cast of 14 singers and dancers span the scope of 20th-century movie musicals. Tickets are $20-$40, or $10 for UF students, available by calling 392-2787. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

V-Day benefit concert: On Friday, the special V-Day Benefit Concert to End Violence Against Women features a host of local musicians including Other Voices, Liquid Jazz, Monica Cooper, Flash Silvermoon & the Blues Sisters and others. Admission to the performance, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4225 NW 34th St., is $10, with proceeds befitting Peaceful Paths and other local organizations.

Jazz nostalgia: On Saturday, Live At Birdland, a touring show featuring the Birdland Big Band jazz ensemble, takes the stage at the University Auditorium. Under the direction of renowned Jazz drummer Tommy Igoe, the group brings to life the classic jazz of the Birdland Night Club with performances of well-known pieces from the Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Stan Kenton and Woody Herman orchestras as well as new interpretations of pieces by Charlie Parker, Chick Corea, Arturo Sandoval and Herbie Hancock. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-$25, $10 for UF students; available by calling 392-2787.

Fine folk singer: Esteemed folk-singer and multi-instrumentalist John McCutcheon performs at the Phillips Center's Squitieri Studio Theatre on Sunday. McCutcheon has recorded 30 albums of his own work and produced 20 albums for other artists. The concert begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, $10 for students with ID.

Peacemaking play: Planned Tuesday for one night only at the Hippodrome Theatre is “I'd Like to Buy an Enemy,” a play by Ted and Co. Theater Works in an event sponsored by the Beltran Peace center. The satirical play skewers “the use of fear to control us” and “the use of the Other to make us afraid.” Admission is free and open to the public. The performance begins at 7 p.m.

Eighth annual improv extravaganza: The Gainesville Improv Festival returns for its eighth iteration featuring improv troupes from around the country as well as performances featuring members of UF's own Theatre Strike Force. Performances are planned at High Dive Live on Wednesday and Feb. 21, and will be held at the Phillips Center's Squitieri Studio Theatre on Feb. 22 and 23. Improv workshops with members of the national troupes also are planned for Feb. 23, with admission available for $30.

Disinterring the dead: The premier and best-known Grateful Dead tribute band, Dark Star Orchestra, brings the sound of the former to the Phillips Center on Feb. 22. The orchestra traces its roots back to 1997 when the founding guitarist and keyboardist came up with the idea of performing legendary concerts by the seminal jamband in their entirety. Now, more than 1,800 concerts later, the band has collaborated with members of Phish and other groups. Tickets are $15-$25, $10 for UF students. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.

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